Remains of rare Florida panther found

Big Cypress National Preserve officials say the remains of a panther were collected Saturday. The panther was not wearing a collar. The animal's age and gender could not immediately be determined.

Wildlife biologist Deborah Jansen says the big cat was likely killed by another panther. The carcass will be turned over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for evaluation.

Florida panthers are extremely rare. Only about 100 to 160 remain in the wild. They primarily roam in southwest Florida, though their habitat once spanned the entire southeastern U.S. Most panther deaths in recent years have been caused by collisions with vehicles.